An engineering business founded in 1890, Clarke, Cluley and Co, Globe Works, Coventry built Globe motorcycles from 1901 to 1905.
Clarke and Cluley were Gloucester-born Ernest Clarke and Coventry-born Charles J Cluley.[1]
Their basic machines were primitive but in 1904 the firm also offered a model with the Trimo forecar or a trailer. Although such fittings were nearing the end of their popularity, the company went ahead. The forecar had a 3½ hp Minerva or Sarolea engine with a water-cooled cylinder head inclined and hung from the downtube. A chain-driven pump circulated the water. A clutch was fitted to the crankshaft and the rear-wheel drive was by belt.
Prior to this they had manufactured bicycles in the 1890s, and many of these were sold in France as Cycles Le Globe by an Englishman based in Paris, George Hetley.
From 1921 to 1928 the Coventry firm built a series of four- and six-cylinder automobiles using the Cluley brand, before returning to the manufacture of textile machinery, and later subcontracted to Rolls-Royce building aero engines until the factory was destroyed in an air-raid during WWII. They remained in business until 1987.
Report from the Stanley Show 1902
Motor Cycling, 26th November 1902
Reports from the 1903 Stanley Show
The motor exhibits of Clarke, Cluley and Co, Globe Works, Coventry, will include one of the well-known Globe motor-bicycles, fitted with a vertical 3.5 h.p. Globe engine, Longuemare spray carburetter, double accumulator connected with switch, and large tank giving ample petrol space. Another of these machines, similarly fitted, will also be, shown, to which will in attached a patent Trimo fore-carriage, with wide front axle, patent band brakes on both front wheels, and powerful back brake. It is fitted with a large cane fore-carriage, upholstered in best style. The exhibit will also include a trailer designed with special frame work for use with motorcycles. It is fitted with 2 in. Dunlop Multicycle tyres, and the firm's patent ball socket joint. The firm will be found at the Stanley.
The Motor magazine, 18th November 1903
Clarke, Cluley, and Co.
The motor exhibits of this firm will include one of the well-known Globe motor bicycles, fitted vertically with a 3¾ h.p. Globe engine, Longuemare spray carburetter, double accumulator connected with switch, and large tank giving ample petrol space. Another of these machines, similarly fitted, will also be shown, to which will be attached a patent Trimo forecarriage, with wide wheelbase, patent band brakes on both front wheels, and powerful back brake. It is fitted with a large cane forecarriage upholstered in best style, and makes a very fine machine of this now popular type. The exhibit also includes a trailer, designed with special framework for use with motor cycles. It is fitted with 2in. Dunlop multicycle tyres and the firm's patent ball socket joint.
The Motor Cycle, November 18th 1903
Stanley Show 1903
Notes. 1. Damien Kimberley, 'Coventry's Motorcycle Heritage', p.44 (Courtesy Graham Clayton)
Sources: Graces Guide; The Motor magazine; cyclesdelys.wordpress.com; en.wikipedia.org
